Somatropin is used for the treatment of growth failure, growth hormone deficiency, intestinal disorder (short bowel syndrome) or HIV-related weight loss or wasting. Somatropin is also used to increase height in children with certain genetic disorders (such as Noonan syndrome, Turner's syndrome). It is an injectable solution that mimics the exact makeup of the human growth hormone. It stimulates an adequate metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids, as well as retention of phosphorus and potassium, bone health, muscle development and endurance.

Directions

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Somatropin is injected into a muscle or under the skin. You may be shown how to use injections at home. Do not self-inject this medicine if you do not understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles and syringes. Do not shake the medication bottle or you may ruin the medicine. In patients with childhood onset GHD, the recommended dose to restart is 0.2-0.5 mg/day with subsequent dose adjustment on the basis of IGF-I concentration determination. In patients with adult onset GHD, it is recommended to start treatment with a low dose: 0.1-0.3 mg/day. It is recommended to increase the dosage gradually at monthly intervals based on the clinical response and the patient’s experience of adverse events. Serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) can be used as guidance for the dose titration. Women may require higher doses than men, with men showing an increasing IGF-I sensitivity over time. This means that there is a risk that women, especially those on oral oestrogen replacement are under-treated while men are over-treated. Dose requirements decline with age. Maintenance dosages vary considerably from person to person, but seldom exceeds 1.0 mg/day. Generally, daily subcutaneous administration in the evening is recommended. The injection site should be varied to prevent lipoatrophy.

Precautions

If you have diabetes, this drug may increase your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially effects on blood sugar, or swelling ankles/feet. When this medication is given to newborns, mix with sterile water for injection that does not contain a preservative. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in the liquid used to mix this product can rarely cause serious problems (sometimes death), if given by injection to an infant during the first months of life. The risk is greater with lower birth weight infants and is greater with increased amounts of benzyl alcohol. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat.

Contraindications

You should not use Somatropin if you are allergic to it. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as benzyl alcohol or metacresol found in some brands), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have eye problems (e.g., diabetic retinopathy), severe breathing problems (acute respiratory failure), adrenal gland problems, recent major surgery/injury, Prader-Willi syndrome, diabetes or family history of diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, tumors (cancer, especially of the head/neck), back problems (scoliosis), a certain genetic condition (Turner syndrome), thyroid problems.

Possible side effect

The most common side effects are Headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle pain, or weakness. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects such as development of a limp, persistent fatigue, unusual increase in thirst or urination, unusual weight gain, persistent cold intolerance, persistent slow heartbeat, fast heartbeat, ear pain/itching, hearing problems, joint/hip/knee pain, change in the appearance or size of any mole, numbness/tingling, swelling hands/ankles/feet, persistent nausea, severe stomach/abdominal pain.

Drug interactions

Be extra carefully and let your doctor know if you take birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy, steroid medicine (e.g., prednisone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, and others) or insulin and oral diabetes medicine.

Missed dose

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. Overdose symptoms may include severe headache, nausea, or vomiting; sudden onset of sweating, fatigue, shakiness, confusion (hypoglycemia); or persistent swelling of hands and feet.

Storage

The shelf life is 2 years. After first opening: Store for a maximum of 28 days in a refrigerator (2 C - 8 C). Alternatively, the medicinal product may be stored for a maximum of 21 days below 25 C.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.